The Reactivity Spiral
Reactive behavior often creates a vicious cycle.
Your dog sees another dog.
↓
Your dog becomes worried.
↓
Your dog barks, lunges, pulls, or growls.
↓
You become stressed.
↓
The other person and dog become nervous.
↓
Your dog notices everyone's tension.
↓
Your dog's anxiety increases.
↓
The behavior gets worse.
Every part of this cycle feeds the next.
The longer it continues, the stronger the habit becomes.
A Simple Alternative: "Sit and Watch Me"
Imagine instead that another dog appears.
Before your dog can explode, you say:
"Rover, Sit."
Your dog sits. You praise him. You smile. You give a reward.
Your dog looks at you instead of staring at the trigger.
Suddenly everything changes.
Your dog's body is calmer. You're calmer.
The situation feels more predictable. The other dog owner feels less concerned. The emotional atmosphere changes for everyone involved.
And because emotions and behavior constantly influence one another, your dog's feelings often improve as a direct result of performing the new behavior.
As Dr. Dunbar explains:
"Oh goody. Here comes the cookie dog."
The approaching dog stops predicting conflict and starts predicting rewards, attention, and success.
The Foundation Skill: A Super Sit
One of the most useful skills for reactive dogs is a reliable Sit.
Not a sit that works occasionally in the kitchen.
A sit that works:
- Around distractions
- Around other dogs
- At a distance
- When your dog is excited
- When your dog is worried
- When you need it most
A reliable Sit gives you something constructive to ask for when your dog encounters a trigger.
Instead of barking...
Sit.
Instead of lunging...
Sit.
Instead of spiraling into panic...
Sit and focus.
This simple behavior can completely change the direction of an interaction.
